Methods of Scouting
The ideals of Scouting are
spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan and the Outdoor Code. The
Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to
improve. The goals are high and as he reaches for them he develops control
over what he becomes.
The Patrol Method gives
Scouts an experience in-group living and participative citizenship. It
places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches
boys how to accept it. The Patrol Method allows Scouts to act in small
groups where they can easily relate to one another. These small groups
determine the Troop activities through their elected representative.
The Boy Scout program is
designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share
responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that skills
and activities practiced at Troop Meetings come alive with purpose. Being
closer to nature helps Scouts gain appreciation for God’s handiwork and
mankind’s place in it. It teaches them to be good stewards of their world.
The outdoors is a laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology, practice
conservation of nature’s resources and develop self-sufficiency.
Scouting provides a series
of surmountable obstacles and the steps to overcome them throughout the
advancement program. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his
own pace as he overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each
achievement, which help him gain self-respect and self-confidence. The
steps in the advancement system (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First
Class, Star, Life and Eagle) help a boy grow in self-reliance and the
ability to help others.
A boy learns from the
example of his adult leaders. In his quest for personal growth, every boy
needs contact with adults he can copy. The Scoutmaster and his assistants
provide the positive role model espoused by the Boy Scout program.
As Scouts plan their
activities and make progress toward their goals, they experience personal
growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method
of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects
and do Good Turns for others. There is probably no device so successful in
developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The
religious emblems program is also a large part of the personal growth
method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster and Patrol
Advisor help each Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting’s Aim.
The Boy Scout program
encourages the boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout
has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership
situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the
leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of
Scouting.
The uniform makes the
Scout Troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image
in the community. The Boy Scout program is an action program, and wearing
the Scout uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the
aims and goals of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity with a
world brotherhood of youth that believe the same ideals. The uniform is
also practical attire for Scout activities and provides a way for Scouts to
wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.
